Doggie Tagalongs: Visiting Family with Your Senior Pup
December 14, 2010 • Travel •
Guest post by Carrie Boyko of All Things Dog Blog
So you’ve decided to take your senior Fido along this holiday? It’s up to you to put his best paw forward by making him as comfortable as possible, while also assuring the safety and cleanliness of your hostess’s home.
Although you may normally take a long, daily walk at home, keep in mind that new territory will be especially stimulating and fatiguing to your older Fido. Don’t overdo the exercise; yet do include it in your routine each day. When packing, go ahead and attach a container of poop bags to your leash so you don’t forget this essential. I love Flushpuppies for travel—no smelly bags in your host’s trash container—the bag and contents are all flushable.
Try to assess your host’s household layout and routine to help you plan for Fido’s needs. If steps will be part of the program, consider any needed aids for your larger Rover. Often a towel wrapped under the belly can used to assist him up a set of steps.
Even if your Rover has a solid bladder, come prepared for a possible accident. As dog’s age, their ability to control accidents during excitement can be lessened. Bring an extra towel or blanket, in case you find his bedding needs washing.
If your Rover already has issues with incontinence, even occasionally, you’ll want to plan for this. Pay a visit to Pants for Dogs to find something that suits your Fido’s personality and sense of style. My personal favorite is the country boy look shown above. Check out the frilly thongs that are a unique problem solver for a sassy female; even an older girl wants to maintain her dignity along with her fashion sense!
Keeping in mind that tummies can sometimes get upset while traveling, come prepared with a package of quick cooking rice to help calm and firm things up, if needed. Stick with lowfat treats and food, and discourage your hosts from feeding Fido any table scraps or appetizers.
When it is necessary to feed your Fido earlier than usual, allow plenty of time to take care of business outside, before you depart for an outing without him. Offer a short, yet brisk walk to encourage elimination before you depart.
If Rover is crate trained, don’t second-guess yourself on this decision. Bring it! A dry floor and safe house for your hostess is something that she will appreciate greatly. If a crate is out of the question, consider a baby gate, if needed.
Give some thought to your Fido’s curiosity when visitors come to your home. Does he like to investigate the suitcases, check out handbags or riffle through pockets? These may be hints of what’s to come when you visit a new and different place. Separation from dangerous foods, houseplants, personal care items, and cleaning products is essential.
Before you leave home, set aside some of Fido’s favorite toys and a few sterilized bones (Busy Bones!) or Kongs to fill and freeze for use at your host’s home. Keep this simple by bringing along a small can of dog food and mixing it with kibble for an easy to prepare filling. The picture here shows Thanksgiving Busy Bones—sweet potatoes, turkey and canned, organic dog food. These frozen delights will keep a dog busy for 20—30 minutes, leaving them calm and satisfied when finished.
Hoard the Busy Bones for those times when Fido’s distraction is imperative. Dinner, or the arrival of additional guests, are often times when you’ll need to occupy him alone for a while.
A final important consideration is how your dog communicates his need to go outside. Consider what he’ll need to be able to say “It’s time.” My Golden Retriever, Tanner, uses bells on a ribbon tied to the front door. When the bells are not there, he simply stares at them until someone notices him! There are times when a barker is useful, I guess. If your Fido, unlike mine, requires an implement that is not portable, you’ll really need to be on the ball, taking him outside more often than usual to give him plenty of chances to handle his business. Be sure to stay on top of that at all cost, to ensure your next invitation includes Fido!
Carrie Boyko writes the All Things Dog Blog, where her pack teaches her every day how to be a better pack leader.
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